The American Claimant is not one of Mark Twain’s better known books such as Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (in which a total eclipse of the Sun has a major role). That said, it is a light humorous book that is a pleasure to read. The main character is an eccentric American inventor and claimant to the Earldom of Rossmore in the UK who glories in the name Colonel Mulberry Sellers. Initially, his antics appear plain silly, but as the book progresses some genuinely funny situations are set up. There is also a pleasant romance to add a little bit of spice to the book. At the end, of course, everything is satisfactorily resolved and everyone lives happily ever after. For those looking for a light read the American Claimant is highly recommended.